As a student in our program, you will develop new strategies in teaching and learning through drama, and experiment in the creation and presentation of theatre for audiences of all ages. You will also explore the skills required for teaching artistry and the role of educational theatre within an ever-changing global society.

Graduates of this degree pursue teaching and administrative positions where certification is not required: private and community colleges, arts organizations, galleries and museums, educational outreach centers, behavioral health and prevention agencies, community and housing programs, youth and adult detainment centers, and theatre and arts agencies.

Program Goals and Mission

The Master of Arts degree in Educational Theatre for Colleges and Communities (EDTC) is a 36-credit curriculum created to empower students as they design, implement, and evaluate theatrical work in a wide range of community settings, and prepare candidates who elect to pursue college teaching for innovative research and scholarship in the field.

The program is structured to support students with specialized interests in arts-based, outreach oriented, and educative initiatives, as they develop new strategies in teaching and learning through drama, and experiment in the creation and presentation of theatre for audiences of all ages. This degree blends theory and practice as candidates analyze the roles of theatre and education within an ever-changing global society, while honing skills required for teaching artistry and leadership in local, federal, and international contexts.

Coursework and Degree Requirements

This 36-unit degree is designed with flexibility and individuality at the forefront. Within the EDTC track, faculty and advisors support you as create a sequence of courses scaffolded to accommodate burgeoning interests, gaps in knowledge, and expertise. You work closely with an advisor to select courses in research, pedagogy, various theatre art forms, and community-engaged approaches. Courses that fall within each of these categories are offered in the autumn, spring, and summer semesters.

We encourage you to select a concentrated area of study (Applied Theatre, Drama Education, and Theatre for Young Audiences and Play Production), as you pursue excellence and hone your skills. You may also choose to create your own pathway, with guidance from your advisor. You may fulfill requirements through courses at NYU’s Washington Square campus, in study abroad programs, through our 3-Summer Option or through a variety of professional internships.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to formulate, implement, and modify new teaching and learning strategies using drama and theatre to explore content.

Students will be able to appraise and analyze the changing roles of theatre and education in multiple and complex settings.

Students will be able to identify gaps in the field, from theoretical and practical perspectives, and generate new knowledge accordingly.

Students will experiment in the creation and presentation of theatre, in formal or informal settings, using a variety of forms and methods.

Global Study

The Steinhardt School offers one of the most extensive graduate study abroad programs in the country. As an EDTC student, you can incorporate extraordinary January or Summer global experiences in theatre education into your regular academic year course of study.

What are the Advantages of Global Study in Educational Theatre?

Enhance Your Practice. Becoming immersed in another culture helps you gain perspective on and bring greater depth and meaning to your own educational theatre practice.

Learn from Top Theatre Educators. Study with British drama in education and Theatre for Young Audience experts in London, with Ireland’s community theatre practitioners and performing artists in Dublin, and with Puerto Rico’s master practitioners in physical theatre, mask-building, and community theatre in San Juan.

Network. Meet educators, actors, community organizers, and other professionals in the educational theatre and drama in education communities. Exchange ideas, try new things, make professional connections.

Performance Opportunities

The Program in Educational Theatre produces two mainstage shows each academic year, in the studio Black Box Theatre and the historic Provincetown Playhouse. These productions are directed by professional directors from among the program faculty, with actors, assistant stage managers, dramaturgues, and assistant directors (selected from all tracks of the Program in Educational Theatre) rounding out the companies.

Each production invites student audiences to participate in a workshop series designed to encourage connection to the themes, content, and plot/character development of the given play. As a student in our program, you have the opportunity to author study guides and supplementary materials, plan workshops, and facilitate the workshops that accompany each play.

Applications and Acceptance

The EDTC program is able to consider applications after the graduate admissions master's priority deadline and you may apply at any time. Please note priority for financial aid consideration is given to those who meet the priority application deadline (please visit the Steinhardt Graduate Admissions website for information regarding deadlines and application procedures). We strongly recommend that you apply at least three to four months prior to the beginning of the semester you would like to enroll.

Start Fall, Spring or Summer or Choose our Summer-Only OptionIf you are admitted to the EDTC program, you may begin your program of study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Additionally, you may opt for a summer-only course of study. This option is especially appropriate for those of you who may already be teaching in schools across the country and can only take classes while K-12 schools are on holiday.

We Welcome All ApplicationsOur students come from many different socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and bring with them a variety of personal and work experiences. They are a passionate, supportive, and deeply committed group. We encourage all interested students to apply.

We are eager to speak with prospective students and to answer your questions about how this program can help you meet your educational and professional goals.

Additional Information

Graduates of this Degree: The degree prepares students to teach educational theatre at the college level, and includes a strong research component, particularly beneficial for candidates interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the future.

Summer Semester: We run four sessions of diverse courses throughout the summer, here at the Washington Square Campus, and students are also able to take advantage of the study abroad opportunities during summer semesters.

Beginning Their Program of Study: EDTC candidates are encouraged to apply to begin in the semester that makes the most sense for their own schedules. Many of our students work full-time in different capacities throughout the tri-state area and enjoy the flexibility of being able to start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term. Application Deadlines for each semester are as follows: February 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, and February 1 for Summer.